Green Islands & Sustainable Fashion: The Inspiring Journey of Vera Menezes

In a world where sustainability is becoming an urgent necessity rather than a trend, there are individuals who turn environmental responsibility into an art form. One of them is Vera Menezes, an artisan from Porto Santo, whose work transforms marine waste and discarded fishing nets into sculptures, baskets, and handcrafted accessories.

From Waste to Art: The Birth of Loja do Profeta

When Vera started her journey, she had a vision: reviving the lost craftsmanship of Porto Santo. Industrial production had taken over, and local traditions were fading. Inspired by the island’s past, where people repurposed what washed ashore—driftwood, iron buoys, and lost fishing materials—she saw an opportunity to blend sustainability with culture.

Her store, Loja do Profeta, located in Vila Baleira, Porto Santo, has become a creative hub where waste finds new purpose. Together with her husband, Francisco Velosa, she crafts unique pieces—decorative fish, wooden mirrors, and jewelry made from sea glass and bottle fragments—each telling a story of resilience and environmental awareness.

Turning Trash into Treasure

The concept of upcycling marine waste isn’t new to Porto Santo. Due to the island’s lack of natural wood, locals have always relied on what the sea brought to their shores. In the past, people used driftwood to build windows, doors, and even furniture. Old iron buoys were repurposed as water containers for farmers, and forgotten nets were transformed into practical tools.

Now, Vera is reviving and modernizing these practices, making sustainability a central part of her craft. Each piece she creates serves as a reminder of the impact of marine pollution, showing how discarded objects can become valuable again through creativity and skill.

Challenges & Growth: A Sustainable Business Model

Running a sustainable craft business on an island is no easy feat. Tourism is seasonal, and the cost of materials and transport is high. To balance affordability and sustainability, Vera keeps her production costs low while maintaining fair prices for tourists.

Her work has gained recognition beyond Porto Santo, attracting media attention from Evasões, RTP1, SIC, and Volta ao Mundo magazine. Despite this success, she remains deeply connected to her local community, collaborating with other artisans and continuously expanding the presence of sustainable crafts on the island.

A Message for the Future

Through her innovative designs and commitment to upcycling, Vera Menezes is proving that sustainability in fashion and crafts is not just a movement—it’s a mindset. Her work preserves traditions, protects the environment, and inspires a new generation of artists and eco-conscious consumers.

In a world drowning in waste, Loja do Profeta stands as a shining example of how creativity can redefine sustainability, turning forgotten materials into timeless art.

💚♻️ Would you wear or decorate your home with pieces made from recycled marine waste?